Craftsman 917273150 tractor Parts

For a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917273150, a full engine replacement typically costs about $800 to $2,500 total (engine plus labor). The engine itself is usually the biggest cost; professional installation commonly takes around 4 to 8 hours depending on setup and any worn drive components.

What makes the price go up or down

• Engine type and horsepower (single-cylinder vs. V-twin)
• New vs. remanufactured engine availability
• Extra parts discovered during teardown (belts, pulleys, wiring)
• Labor rate at the shop and pickup/delivery fees
• Condition of the mower deck and drivetrain (rusted fasteners add time)

Typical cost breakdown (what you are paying for)

Cost item	Typical range	Notes
Replacement engine	$500 to $1,800	Varies most by engine brand/specs
Labor	$300 to $900	Often 4 to 8 hours total
Misc. parts/fluids	$25 to $150	Oil, filter, fuel line, clamps

Before you replace the engine: quick checks that can save money

If the engine cranks poorly or will not start, we recommend ruling out common issues first. Many “needs an engine” symptoms are actually battery, fuel, or safety-interlock problems.

• Confirm the clutch/brake pedal is fully depressed and the PTO/attachment clutch is disengaged (the manual notes the engine should not start otherwise).
• Check the operator presence system: leaving the seat without the parking brake set should shut the engine off.
• Verify oil level and oil condition; low or dirty oil can cause hard starting and damage.
• Inspect for loose/damaged wiring and a secure spark plug wire connection.
• If the engine clicks or spins but will not start, follow the steps in 917273150 owner’s manual.

Why it matters

An engine swap can cost close to the value of an older tractor. Doing a quick diagnosis first helps you decide whether a tune-up, electrical repair, or fuel-system fix is the smarter investment.

Last updated: February 2026

On a Craftsman riding lawn tractor like model 917273150, we find the model number and serial number on the tractor frame under the seat area (often visible when you lift the seat). Use that exact model number to match the correct parts list and 917273150 owner's manual.

Where to check on model 917273150

Look in these common spots first:

• On the frame directly under the seat
• On the underside of the seat pan
• Near the rear fender area under the seat
• On a sticker or metal tag with both model and serial information

How to use the model number once you find it

After you locate the tag, copy the model number exactly as shown (including dots or spaces if present on the label).

• Use the model number to pull the correct parts diagrams for the mower deck, transaxle, steering, and engine area
• Use the serial number to confirm production variations when ordering parts
• Keep a photo of the tag for future maintenance and tune-ups

Quick reference: model vs. serial

Item	What it’s used for	Example for this tractor
Model number	Identifies the correct parts breakdown	917.273150 (often shown as 917273150 online)
Serial number	Helps match exact build/version	Varies by unit

Why it matters

Craftsman tractors can look similar across years, but belts, blades, and transaxle components can differ by model. Using the exact model number helps ensure you get the right replacement part the first time.

Last updated: February 2026

For a Craftsman riding mower like model 917273150, the build date is typically encoded in the serial number on the product ID tag. On many Craftsman tractors, the first six digits read as MMDDYY (month, day, year), so a serial starting with 071294 indicates July 12, 1994. Use the 917273150 owner's manual to confirm the exact tag location and identification details for your tractor.

Where to find the serial number on a riding mower

On most Craftsman front-engine lawn tractors, the ID tag is easy to spot once you know where to look.

• Check under the seat on the fender pan area
• Look on the frame near the engine compartment
• Check near the rear hitch plate/drawbar area
• Wipe dirt and grass off the tag so all digits are readable
• Write down both the model number (917273150) and the serial number

How to decode common Craftsman serial number date formats

Craftsman used a few serial formats over the years. These are the most common patterns customers see.

Equipment type	Common serial date pattern	What it means
Riding mower/tractor	First 6 digits = MMDDYY	Month, day, year of manufacture
Walk-behind mower	Often includes a year digit within the string	The year is embedded (position varies by series)
Replacement engine	Engine has its own model/type code	Engine date can differ from tractor date

If the serial number does not match MMDDYY

If the first six digits do not look like a real date (for example, “133299”), use these steps to pin down the year.

• Confirm you are reading the serial number, not a part number
• Check for a second label that lists DOM (date of manufacture)
• Compare the tractor’s features to the specs listed for 917.273150 (18.0 HP, 42-inch mower, electric start, 6-speed transaxle) in the manual
• If you are matching parts by year, match by model number first, then by the exact part ID (for example, blades and belts)

Why it matters

The correct manufacture year helps you match the right parts and diagrams for your Craftsman tractor, especially for deck components (blades, mandrels, belts) and electrical items that can change across production runs.

Last updated: February 2026

Yes, replacing the engine on your Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273150 is worth it when the tractor’s deck, steering, and drive system are solid and the total engine-swap cost stays well below the cost of a comparable replacement tractor. Use the 917273150 owner's manual to confirm safety checks and maintenance items before investing.

Quick decision checklist

• The mower deck is not rusted through or cracked, and it still levels correctly.
• The tractor drives smoothly (no slipping, grinding, or severe vibration).
• The electrical system is reliable (battery charges, wiring is intact).
• You can source the correct engine and any required pulleys, belts, and hardware.
• The repair cost is clearly less than replacing the tractor.
• You want the project and can do safe mechanical work.

Cost and condition guide (simple rule)

Engine replacement makes sense when the rest of the tractor is in good condition and you are not stacking multiple major repairs at the same time.

Situation	Usually the better choice	Why
Deck and chassis are solid; engine is the main failure	Replace engine	You keep a known-good tractor and restore reliability
Deck is damaged or the tractor needs several big repairs	Replace tractor	Costs add up fast and downtime increases
Tractor has chronic vibration or poor cut quality from deck issues	Fix deck first	Worn blades, loose hardware, or deck buildup can mimic “engine problems”

What to inspect before you decide

The manual highlights several items that directly affect whether an engine swap will pay off long-term.

• Blade and mandrel condition: bent or damaged blades and mandrels cause vibration and can damage the mower and engine over time.
• Deck cleanliness and airflow: grass and debris buildup under the deck and around mandrels can hurt cut quality and strain the machine.
• Safety interlocks: the operator presence and interlock system must work correctly (seat switch, clutch/brake, attachment clutch behavior).
• Drive belt condition: a worn belt can cause performance complaints that get blamed on the engine; the v-belt 532138255 is a common wear item.
• Basic tune-up items: low/dirty oil, dirty air filter, and a faulty spark plug can cause hard starting and poor running.

Why it matters

An engine swap is only a win if it restores dependable mowing without creating new problems. Fixing vibration sources (blades, mandrels, deck leveling) and confirming safety interlocks protects the new engine and helps the tractor cut evenly.

Last updated: February 2026

Craftsman uses engines from multiple manufacturers depending on the tractor and production year. For the Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273150, the owner’s documentation identifies it as an 18.0 HP tractor with a low-emission engine; the exact engine brand is confirmed by checking the engine ID label and the 917273150 owner's manual.

How to identify the engine brand on your 917273150

We recommend verifying the brand directly on the engine because Craftsman tractors commonly shipped with different engine suppliers.

• Lift the hood and locate the engine identification label (often on the valve cover, blower housing, or near the starter)
• Write down the engine brand (commonly Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, or Kawasaki on many Craftsman tractors)
• Record the engine model and type/spec numbers from the label
• Match those numbers to the engine section in the 917273150 owner's manual
• Use the engine model/type numbers when ordering tune-up parts (air filter, spark plug, fuel filter)

Common engine brands you may see on Craftsman riding tractors

Craftsman has historically sourced engines from several major small-engine makers. Your exact match depends on the specific tractor configuration.

Engine brand	What it means for parts	Where to confirm
Briggs & Stratton	Parts often keyed to model/type codes	Engine ID label + manual
Kohler	Parts often keyed to spec number	Engine ID label + manual
Kawasaki	Parts often keyed to model/spec	Engine ID label + manual

Why it matters

The engine brand and model determine the correct maintenance parts and service specs (oil type, spark plug, air filter, and carburetor settings). Using the engine ID label prevents ordering the wrong parts for your Craftsman 917273150.

Last updated: February 2026

Craftsman lawn tractor model 917273150 uses a low-emission, 18.0 HP engine with electric start, and it’s paired with a 6-speed transaxle and a 42-inch mower deck. For the exact engine manufacturer and engine ID details, use the 917273150 owner's manual and the engine ID label on your tractor.

What we can confirm for model 917273150

The model documentation calls out these key powertrain and mowing specs:

• Engine rating: 18.0 HP (low-emission engine)
• Starting system: electric start
• Transmission: 6-speed transaxle
• Mower deck: 42-inch cutting deck
• Application: front-engine lawn tractor

How to identify the engine make and model on your tractor

The engine brand (for example, Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Honda) is confirmed by the engine ID tag, not by the tractor model number alone. Check these common locations:

• On the blower housing/engine shroud
• Near the valve cover
• Close to the starter motor
• Near the muffler or heat shield
• Under the hood on a sticker or metal tag

Record the full engine ID (often listed as model, type, and code) before ordering tune-up parts.

Quick reference: what each spec helps you choose

Spec you have	What it tells you	What it helps with
18.0 HP rating	Power class	Baseline maintenance and capability
Low-emission design	Engine family style	Correct service procedures and settings
Electric start	Starting method	No-start diagnostics and battery checks
6-speed transaxle	Drive system	Drive adjustments and troubleshooting

Why it matters

The engine ID determines the correct air filter, spark plug, oil type, and tune-up settings. Matching parts to the engine label prevents hard starting, loss of power, and premature wear.

Last updated: February 2026

The model number for this Craftsman front-engine lawn tractor is 917.273150 (often written without the dot as 917273150). You can confirm it on the tractor’s model label and in the parts diagrams in the 917273150 owner's manual.

Where to find the model number on the tractor

We typically see the model number printed on a product identification label. Check these common locations:

• Under the seat pan or on the seat support
• On the frame near the rear wheels
• Under the hood near the engine compartment
• On the left or right side of the chassis rail
• Near the footrest area on the frame

Why the dot matters (917.273150 vs 917273150)

Both formats refer to the same tractor; the dot is just a formatting style used in some manuals and parts lists.

You might see it as	What it means	Use it for
917.273150	Same model number with a dot	Manual diagrams, some labels
917273150	Same model number without a dot	Parts lookup, ordering

Why it matters

Using the exact model number 917273150 helps us match the correct Craftsman parts (like mower deck blades, belts, and steering components) and prevents ordering parts for a similar looking tractor with different deck or chassis configurations.

Last updated: February 2026